Arkitekt Jørgen Hansen Koch 1835

Editor: This is H.W. Bissen's bronze bust of "Arkitekt Jørgen Hansen Koch" from 1835. It’s neoclassical and realistic. Looking at it, I'm struck by the serious, almost weary expression. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, there's a story etched in that bronze, isn’t there? I see the weight of responsibility, the intellect of a man who shaped skylines. Bissen's capturing of Koch in this form is intriguing; can’t you almost imagine Koch pondering blueprints late into the night? It's not just realism, it’s imbued with… character. Doesn't it remind you a little bit of Roman portraiture? And that subtle hint of sadness, where do you suppose that comes from? Editor: Perhaps it’s the pre-photography seriousness that sculptors at that time seem to portray or an inner suffering on the part of Koch? Do you think the Neoclassical style flattens some of that complexity? Curator: Perhaps. But then again, isn’t that flattening itself a choice, a statement? Neoclassicism strips away the excess, focuses on form, proportion… and that austere focus almost intensifies the emotion, don't you think? This makes me wonder about Bissen's intent: Was he presenting Koch as a pillar of society, or revealing something deeper? The bronze almost seems to breathe. It is far removed from cold stone! Editor: I never thought about Neoclassicism intensifying emotion through reduction, that’s a fascinating idea. It has definitely opened my eyes. Curator: Yes, looking at the work again with new perspective it reveals different dimensions. Always does, doesn’t it? The art changes, and we do too!